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Lionel Messi Reaction On two-and-a-half year contract with David Beckham’s Inter Miami
Lionel Messi hasn’t even made his MLS debut but the Argentine superstar could prompt a major MLS rule change going forward.
Lionel Messi Reaction On two-and-a-half year contract with David Beckham’s Inter Miami
Messi has scored 10 goals in eight games since signing a two-and-a-half year contract with David Beckham’s Inter Miami and led the Herons to their first ever trophy after they beat Nashville on penalties to lift the League Cup.
Messi will make his MLS bow against New York Red Bulls this weekend and there’s talk of his arrival bringing about a major shift in regulations across the board.
Upon his arrival, The Athletic spoke to multiple executives within MLS clubs, who believe in order to maximise Messi’s impact in a greater way than when David Beckham moved to LA Galaxy in 2007, teams must have “more flexibility” when it comes to spending money on players and wages.
Currently, rules stipulate that each of the 29 teams must only have three designed players who are allowed to be above the league’s salary cap
At Inter, Messi, whose contract sees him receive a cut of Adidas shirt sales and Apple TV MLS Season Pass sign-ups, is a DP alongside Sergio Busquets and Leonardo Campana.
Jordi Alba, who is earning $1.65 million annually – has been signed through TAM (targeted allocation money) – which allows the signing of players who are making more than the league maximum salary as $2.8 million is available to each team.
Lionel Messi Reaction On two-and-a-half year contract with David Beckham’s Inter Miami
Discussions over potential changes to the roster rules took place at the MLS board of governors meeting in Washington, D.C in June and league executive Todd Durbin put together a presentation.
Some chiefs believe the adjustments must be made to capitalise on the capture of Messi, arguably the greatest player of all time.
Many are advocating for a more level playing field but one that enables more high-quality signings across the board.
A recent tweak is the U-22 initiative, which has led to a number of exceptional foreign talents plying their trade in the MLS as a result.
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have been invited to participate in the next Copa Libertadores, according to reports.
Lionel Messi Reaction On two-and-a-half year contract with David Beckham’s Inter Miami
Messi has thrived since making the move from Paris Saint-Germain to Inter Miami this season, scoring nine goals in his opening six matches.
His latest contribution came against Philadelphia Union and saw which saw Inter Miami progress to the final of the Leagues Cup.
But there could be further silverware up for grabs following the news that the MLS side, owned by David Beckham, could be invited to compete in the next Copa Libertadores.
Journalist Hugo Balassone shared the news, claiming that the invitation was made by Chiqui Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, at the request of CONMEBOL chief Alejandro Dominguez.
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